ADULT-USE PROGRESS
New York approves first cannabis processing licences
Regulators of New York’s cannabis industry have approved the first 15 conditional adult-use cannabis processor licences, per MJBizDaily.
“When we open New York’s first (adult-use) stores, owned and operated by New Yorkers harmed by the misguided criminalization of cannabis, the shelves will be lined with infused edibles, topical creams and concentrated oils,” said Tremaine Wright, chair of the Cannabis Control Board, in a statement.
The New York Office of Cannabis Management has also granted 19 more conditional adult-use cultivation licences, bringing the current total to 242.
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MARS LAWSUIT
Mars successfully sues sellers of edibles that look like Skittles
The largest candy company in the world has successfully won a lawsuit against three online sellers found to be selling THC-infused edibles made to look like Skittles candy, per National Post.
West Coast Supply, Shrooms Online, and Flash Buds were each fined $45,000 for carrying the candy, which is believed to have contributed to incidents where kids ingested THC products.
“The fact that Skittles are a confectionary product that are attractive to children reinforces the need to denounce the defendants’ conduct,” said Judge Patrick Gleeson in the ruling.
SUPPLEMENTARY SUPPLY
Leafythings proposes new ‘independent’ wholesaler in Ontario
Toronto-based Leafythings, a website which lists unregulated cannabis retailers and brands, issued a press release arguing for a new “supplementary” wholesaler that could supply “independent” cannabis products to stores.
The idea is a response to the Ontario Cannabis Store’s challenges delivering products to stores and consumers following a cyberattack on its third-party logistics company.
“The $3 billion independent cannabis industry and the $3 billion regulated industry have to reconcile,” said Nima Derak of Leafythings in a statement. “It is absolutely insane to continue on the path we are on. We are making a clear and logical proposal to the Ontario Cannabis Store. The regulation and cannabis supply chains within Ontario can be managed exactly like food is. There are no mandated organic food certification companies within the food supply chain, but there are third parties who follow the principles of the Canadian Organic Standards, to certify organic food. We can create transparent Independent Cannabis Standards that support Health Canada’s objectives.”
BRITISH INNOVATION
UK government funds cannabis innovation, likely for the first time
Innovate UK, a government agency focused on innovation, has earmarked £500,000 for Canna Group, per BusinessCann.
The funds will be used to develop “bespoke technology to manufacture CBD-HQ,” an oxidized form of cannabidiol.
Canna Group CMO Americo Folcarelli believes in the first time a UK cannabis company has received innovation funding from a government agency. “Naturally, we are very pleased to be selected for this award from Innovate UK which will help speed-up the development of our proprietary technology for the extraction of CBD-HQ,” he said.
